Benzofuran(2)one or indolin(2)one compounds useful as stabilizers for organic materials

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a process for stabilizing organic polymeric materials comprising incorporating therein a benzofuran(2)one compound or indolin(2)one compound containing at least two benzofuran(2)one or indolin(2)one nuclei.

The present invention relates to a process for stabilizing organic polymeric materials employing benzofuranone or indolinone compounds as stabilisers.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a process for stabilising organic polymeric materials comprising incorporating therein a benzofuran(2) one or indolin(2)one compound contain at least two benzofuran(2)one or indolin(2)one nuclei, respectively.

Preferred benzofuran(2)one compounds and indolin(2)one compounds for use in the process of the present invention are bis-benzofuran(2)one or bis-indolin(2)one compounds in which the 3-position of the first benzofuran(2)one or indolin(2)one nucleus is bound directly to the 3- or 7-position of the second benzofuran(2)one or indolin(2)one nucleus, respectively, or the 5-, 6- or 7-position of the first benzofuran(2)one or indolin(2)one nucleus is bound directly to the same position of the second nucleus, and benzofuran(2)one or indolin(2)one compounds in which the 3-, 5-, 6-, or 7-position of the benzofuran(2)one or indolin(2)one nucleus is attached to the same position of 1 to 5 further such nuclei through a 2 to 6 valent bridge member.

Preferred directly bound bis-benzofuran(2)ones and bis-indolin(2)ones are those of formula I_(a), ##STR1## in which X is --O-- or ##STR2## either, R_(a) is hydrogen or (aa/1) ##STR3## and each R_(1a), independently, is hydrogen; C₁₋₂₂ alkyl; C₅₋₆ -cycloalkyl; C₁₋₅ alkylC₅₋₆ -cycloalkyl; phenyl; phenyl substituted by a total of up to three substituents selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₁₂ alkyl (up to three of these with max. 18 carbon atoms in the combined alkyl substituents), hydroxyl (max. of two of these), C₁₋₁₂ alkoxy, C₁₋₁₈ acyloxy, chlorine and nitro (max. of one of each of these); a group of formula (a/4), (a/5) or (a/6) ##STR4## or, R_(a) together with R_(1a) is (a/3) ##STR5## or, R_(a) is hydrogen and R_(1a) is (a/7) ##STR6## with the proviso that when R_(1a) is (a/7) X is --O--, R_(1ax) is phenyl or phenyl substituted by a total of up to three substituents selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₁₂ alkyl (max. three of these with a total of up to 18 carbon atoms in the combined alkyl substituents), hyroxyl (max. two of these), C₁₋₁₂ alkoxy, C₁₋₁₈ acyloxy, chlorine and nitro (max. one of each of these), and

R_(2a) to R_(5a), independently, is hydrogen; C₁₋₁₂ alkyl; max. two of R_(3a) to R_(5a) are: C₅₋₆ cycloalkyl; C₁₋₅ alkyl-C₅₋₆ cycloalkyl; hydroxyl; C₁₋₂₂ alkoxy; phenoxy optionally substituted by up to two C₁₋₁₂ alkyl groups with a total of up to 16 carbon atoms in the combined alkyl substituents; C₁₋₁₈ acyloxy; phenylcarbonyloxy; chlorine; max. one of R_(3a) to R_(5a) is: phenyl-C₁₋₉ alkyl or phenylthio in which the phenyl nucleus is optionally substituted by up to three substituents selected from C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, hydroxyl, and R₁₅ CO--O--; phenyl optionally substituted by up to two C₁₋₁₂ alkyl groups with a total of up to 16 carbon atoms in the combined substituents; nitro; ##STR7## with the proviso that when R₁₁ in (b/2) is other than hydrogen such (b/2) group is adjacent a hydroxyl group, or, when

R_(a) is hydrogen, R_(1a) is other than (a/7) and X is --O--, R_(3a) is (E₃) or R_(5a) is (E₅) ##STR8## each independently, is hydrogen; C₁₋₁₈ alkyl; alkyl-O-alkylene with a total no. of up to 18 carbon atoms; alkyl-S-alkylene with a total no. of up to 18 carbon atoms; di-C₁₋₄ alkylaminoC₁₋₈ alkyl; C₅₋₇ cycloalkyl; or phenyl optionally substituted by up to 3 C₁₋₁₂ alkyl groups with a total no. of up to 18 carbon atoms in the combined substituents, either, each

R₈, independently, is hydrogen; C₁₋₁₈ alkyl; C₅₋₆ cycloalkyl; C₁₋₅ alkyl-C₅₋₆ cycloalkyl; phenyl optionally substituted by up to two C₁₋₁₂ alkyl groups with max. 16 carbon atoms in the combined substituents; ##STR9## or, both R₈ together with the nitrogen form piperidine or morpholine,

R₉ has one of the significances of R₈,

R_(9a) is hydrogen, C₁₋₁₈ alkyl, (d/1), (d/2) or (d/3),

R_(10a) is hydrogen, C₁₋₁₈ alkyl, C₅₋₆ cycloalkyl, C₁₋₅ alkyl-C₅₋₆ cycloalkyl or phenyl optionally substituted by up to two C₁₋₁₂ alkyl groups with max. 16 carbon atoms in the combined substituents, or benzyl,

R₁₁ is hydrogen, C₁₋₂₂ alkyl, C₅₋₇ cycloalkyl, phenylC₁₋₆ alkyl or phenyl optionally substituted by up to two C₁₋₁₂ alkyl groups with max. 16 carbon atoms in the combined substituents,

R₁₂ is C₁₋₁₈ alkyl, 2-hydroxyethyl, phenyl or (C₁₋₉)alkylphenyl,

R₁₅ is C₁₋₂₂ alkyl or phenyl, and

n is 0, 1 or 2,

and the molecule contains only two benzofuran(2)one or indolin(2)one nuclei, whereby the substituents on the two benzofuran(2)one or indolin(2)one nuclei are the same or different, preferably they are the same.

Of the directly bound benzofuran(2)ones and indolin(2)ones, the benzofuran(2)one compounds are preferred.

Preferred poly-benzofuran(2)ones or indolin(2)ones linked by a bridging group are those in which the bridging group is bound to the 3-, 5- or 7-position of the benzofuran(2)one or indolin(2)one nucleus.

When the bridging group is attached to the 3-position of the benzofuran(2)one or indolin(2)one nucleus, such group may be bound via a single or double bond.

Preferred bridged benzofuran(2)one or indolin(2)one compounds are those of formula I_(b), ##STR10## in which --X-- is as defined above, R_(b), R_(1b), R_(2b), R_(3b), R_(4b) and R_(5b) correspond to the significances R_(a), R_(1a), R_(2a), R_(3a), R_(4a) and R_(5a) above with the exception tht the molecule is free from groups of formulae (aa/1), (a/3), (a/7), (E₃) and (E₅) and either R_(1b), or R_(b) and R_(1b) together, or R_(3b), or R_(5b) is bound to one or more further corresponding benzofuran(2)one or indolin(2)one nuclei through a polyvalent bridge member.

Preferred groups in place of R_(1b) are: ##STR11## in which the free valencies are attached to groups E₁ ##STR12##

A is a 2 to 6 valent saturated alkylene which optionally contains sulphur, oxygen, nitrogen or cyclohexylene bridges or is a 2- or 3-valent benzene radical or when both Z's are --O--, A is also (e/16) ##STR13## whereby when A is a 3-, 4-, 5- or 6-valent radical the further valencies are bound to OH, --NHR₁₀ or ##STR14## groups, with the proviso that any free valencies on nitrogen in A itself are attached to ##STR15## w is from 1 to 6, each Z, independently, is --O-- or ##STR16## R₁₀ has one of the significances of R_(10a) above or R₁₀ together with the N-atom signifies ##STR17## D is a direct bond or --O--, --S--, ##STR18## in which each R₁₃, independently, is hydrogen, C₁₋₁₆ alkyl (preferably C₁₋₄ alkyl) with the proviso that when both R₁₃ are alkyl the combined groups contain max. 16 carbon atoms, phenyl, (a/4) or (a/5);

n is as defined above,

m is 2 to 10, and

s is 0 or 1 to 12.

Preferred groups in place of R_(b) and R_(1b) together are: ##STR19## in which the free valencies are attached to groups E_(1a) ##STR20## and A, Z, w and R₁₀ are as defined above, with the exception that on A the further free valencies are attached to --OH, --NHR₁₀ or ##STR21## and any free valencies on nitrogen, in A itself are attached to ##STR22## p is 0 or 1 to 10, and R₁₆ is hydrogen or methyl.

Preferred groups in place of R_(3b) are: --O--, --S--, --SO₂ --, >C═O or ##STR23## in which R₁₃ is as defined above, or (e/1), or (e/4) in which the free valencies are attached to groups E_(3b) ##STR24## and A, w, Z and R₁₀ are as defined above, with the exception that on A the further free valencies are attached to --OH, --NHR₁₀ or ##STR25## and any free valencies on nitrogen in A itself are attached to ##STR26##

Preferably when R_(3b) is a bridging group bound to one or more E_(3b) nuclei, X is --O-- in all cases.

Preferred groups in place of R_(5b) are: --S-- or ##STR27## in which R₁₃ is as defined above, or (e/1), or (e/4) in which the free valencies are attached to groups E_(5b) ##STR28## and A, w, Z and R₁₀ are as defined above, with the exception that the further free valencies on A are attached to --OH, --NHR₁₀ or ##STR29## and any N-free valencies in A itself are attached to ##STR30##

Preferably when R_(5b) is a bridging group bound to E_(5b), X is --O-- in all cases.

Examples of 2-valent --Z--A--Z-- groups are: ##STR31##

Examples of 3 valent --Z--A--Z-- groups are: ##STR32##

Examples of 4 valent --Z--A--Z-- groups are: ##STR33##

An Example of 5-valent --Z--A--Z-- groups is: ##STR34##

Examples of 6-valent --Z--A--Z-- groups are: ##STR35##

A is preferably 2-, 3- or 4-valent with the following --Z--A--Z-- groups being most preferred: --Z--(CH₂)_(n).sbsb.1 --Z-- with n₁ =2 to 6 or 10 ##STR36## especially those in which A is alkylene.

Most preferred Z--A--Z groups are: C(CH₂ --O--)₄ and --O--(CH₂)_(n).sbsb.1 O-- with n₁ =2 to 6 or 10

s is preferably 0 to 10 more preferably, 0 to 8.

m is preferably 2 to 6.

p is preferably 2 or 3, more preferably 3.

When R_(1b) is a bridge member carrying one or more benzofuran(2)one or indolin(2)one nuclei it is preferably R_(1b) ' where R_(1b) ' is (e/1), (e/4),(e/6), (e/7), (e/7a), (e/7b) or (e/8) more preferably (e/7) or (e/8).

When R_(1b) and R_(b) together form a bridge member carrying one or more benzofuran(2)one or indolin(2)one nuclei they preferably form (e/9) or (e/13),

When R_(3b) is a bridge member carrying one or more benzofuran(2)one groups it is preferably R_(3b) ', where R_(3b) ' is --S-- or ##STR37## (e/1) or (e/4), where each R₁₃ ', independently, is hydrogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl or (a/4) in which R₇ is hydrogen, C₁₋₁₈ alkyl, with the proviso that when one R₁₃ ' is (a/4) the other R₁₃ ' is other than (a/4) preferably methyl. More preferably R_(3b) as a bridging member carrying one or more benzofuran(2)one nuclei, is R_(3b) " where R_(3b) " is ##STR38## --CH₂ --, --CH₂ -- (e/1) or (e/4), especially (e/1).

When R_(5b) is a bridge member carrying one or more benzofuran(2)one groups it is preferably R_(5b) ' where R_(5b) ' is ##STR39## where R₁₃ ' is as defined above or (e/1). More preferably R_(5b) as a bridge member is R_(5b) ", where R_(5b) " is --S-- or --CH₂ --.

In the compounds of formula I_(b) the substituents on each benzofuran(2)one or indolin(2)one nucleus are the same or different, preferably they are the same.

Of the benzofuran(2)one or indolin(2)one compounds having a bridge member bound to further such nuclei, the benzofuran(2)one compounds are preferred.

R_(a) is preferably R_(a) ', where R_(a) ' is hydrogen or (aa/1) with (aa/1) being most preferred. In (aa/1) preferably R_(1a) to R_(5a) have the preferred significances as stated herein.

In (a/7), R_(1ax), R_(2a), R_(2a), R_(3a) and R_(4a) preferably have the preferred significances stated herein.

In (a/3) preferably R_(2a) to R_(5a) have the preferred significances stated herein.

R_(1a) is preferably R_(1a) ', where R_(1a) ' is (a/7) or R₁ ', where R₁ ' is hydrogen, C₁₋₁₈ alkyl, phenyl optionally substituted by one or two C₁₋₈ alkyl groups and/or a hydroxyl group; (a/4) or (a/5). More preferably R_(1a) is R₁ ", where R₁ " is C₁₋₁₈ alkyl or phenyl optionally substituted by one or two (C₁₋₈)alkyl groups and/or a hydroxyl group. Most preferably R_(1a) is R₁ "', where R₁ "' is phenyl optionally substituted by C₁₋₄ alkyl, with unsubstituted phenyl being most preferred.

R_(1ax) is preferably R₁ ", most preferably phenyl optionally substituted by C₁₋₄ alkyl, with unsubstituted phenyl being most preferred.

R_(2a) and R_(2b) are preferably R₂ ', where R₂ ' is hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl, more preferably R₂ ", where R₂ " is hydrogen or methyl, with hydrogen being especially preferred.

In E₃ preferably R_(a), R_(1a), R_(2a), R_(4a) and R_(5a) have the preferred significances stated herewith.

R_(3a) is preferably R_(a) ', where R_(3a) ' is E₃ or R₃ ', where R₃ ' is hydrogen or C₁₋₉ (preferably C₁₋₅)alkyl. Most preferably R_(3a) is R₃ '.

R_(4a) and R_(4b) are preferably R₄ ', where R₄ ' is hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl, with hydrogen being especially preferred.

In E₅ preferably R_(a) and R_(1a) to R_(4a) have the preferred significances stated herein.

R_(5a) is preferably R_(5a) ', where R_(5a) ' is E₅ or R₅ ', where R₅ ' is hydrogen or C₁₋₈ (preferably C₁₋₅)alkyl. More preferably R_(5a) is R₅ '.

R_(b) is preferably R_(b) ' where R_(b) ' is hydrogen or together with R_(1b) is (e/9) or (e/13).

R_(1b) is preferably R_(1bx), where R_(1bx) is either R₁ ', more preferably R₁ " especially phenyl, or R_(1b) ', especially with the preferred A groups in (e/1) and with s as 0 to 8 in (e/8).

R_(3b) is preferably R_(3bx), where R_(3bx) is hydrogen, C₁₋₉ alkyl or R_(3b) ', more preferably hydrogen, methyl or R_(3b) " R_(5b) is preferably R_(5bx), where R_(5bx) is hydrogen, C₁₋₈ alkyl or R_(5b) ', more preferably hydrogen or R_(5b) ". X is preferably --O-- or ##STR40## where R_(10a) ' is hydrogen, (C₁₋₁₂)alkyl, phenyl or benzyl, more preferably, hydrogen, (C₁₋₄)alkyl or phenyl. Most preferably X is --O--.

R₁₀ is preferably R₁₀ ', where R₁₀ ' is hydrogen, (C₁₋₁₂)alkyl or phenyl, more preferably hydrogen or (C₁₋₄)alkyl, especially hydrogen or methyl.

R₇ is (a/4) and (b/4) is preferably R₇ ' where R₇ ' is hydrogen, C₁₋₁₈ alkyl, phenyl optionally substituted by up to two C₂₋₁₂ alkyl groups with max. 16 carbon atoms in the combined substituents. More preferably R₇ is R₇ ", where R₇ " is C₁₋₁₈ alkyl, phenyl or C₁₋₁₂ alkylphenyl. Most preferably R₇ is C₁₋₁₈ alkyl, especially C₈₋₁₈ alkyl.

Each E₈, independently, is preferably R₈ ', where R₈ ' is hydrogen, C₁₋₁₈ alkyl or both R₈ 's together form morpholine or piperidine. More preferably each R₈, independently is hydrogen or C₁₋₁₈ alkyl. Preferred alkyl groups as R₈ are C₁₋₁₂ -, preferably C₁₋₈ -, most preferably C₁₋₄ alkyl.

R₉ is preferably R₉ ', where R₉ ' is hydrogen, C₁₋₈ alkyl or (d/1). More preferably R₉ is hydrogen or C₁₋₈ alkyl. The preferred alkyl as R₉ contains 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

R_(9a) is preferably R_(9a) ', where R_(9a) ' is hydrogen or C₁₋₈ alkyl. Any alkyl as R_(9a) preferably contains 1 to 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

R₁₁ is preferably R₁₁ ', where R₁₁ ' is hydrogen, C₁₋₁₈ alkyl or phenyl. R₁₁ in (b/2) is preferably phenyl.

Any alkyl as R₁₁ preferably contain 1 to 17 carbon atoms.

R₁₂ is preferably R₁₂ ', where R₁₂ ' is C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, phenyl or 4-(alkyl C₁₋₉)phenyl.

R₁₆ is preferably hydrogen.

n in (a/4) or (a/5) as R₁ or R₅ is preferably 1.

n in (a/4) or (a/5) as R₃ ' is preferably 2.

Preferred compounds of formula I_(a), are those in which X is --O-- R_(a) is R_(a) ', R_(1a) is R_(1a) ', R_(2a) is R₂ ', preferably R₂ ", R_(3a) is R_(3a) ', R_(4a) is R₄ ' and R_(5a) is R_(5a) ' with the proviso that the molecule contains two and only two directly bound benzofuran(2)one nuclei.

More preferred compounds of formula I_(a) are those in which R_(a) is (aa/1), both R_(1a) 's are R₁ ", more preferably R₁ '", especially phenyl, R_(2a) is hydrogen, R_(3a) is R₃ ', preferably hydrogen, R_(4a) is hydrogen, R_(5a) is R₅ ', and X is --O-- and each benzofuran(2)one nucleus is identical.

When R_(3b) is a bridge member carrying further benzofuran(2)one nuclei preferably R₂ and R₄ are both hydrogen and R_(5b) is hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl, especially hydrogen.

When R_(5b) is a bridge member carrying further benzofuran(2)one nuclei preferably R_(3b) is hydrogen or C₁₋₈ alkyl.

Preferred compounds of formula I_(b) are those in which R_(b) is R_(b) ', R_(1b) is R_(1bx), R_(2b) is R₂ ', preferably R₂ ", R_(3b) is R_(3bx), R_(4b) is R₄ ', R_(5b) is R_(5bx) and X is --O--, and preferably each benzofuran(2)one nucleus is identical, with the proviso that only one bridge member bearing one or more benzofuran(2)one nuclei is present in the molecule.

More preferred compounds of formula I_(b) are those in which R_(b) is R_(b) ', R_(1b) is R_(1bx), R_(2b) is hydrogen, R_(3b) is hydrogen, methyl or R_(3b) ", R_(4b) is hydrogen, R_(5b) is hydrogen or R_(5b) ", X is --O-- and each benzofuran(2)one nucleus is identical.

The directly bound bis benzofuran(2)one or indolin(2)one compounds are either known or may be preferred in accordance with known methods from available starting materials.

The bridged benzofuran(2)one and indolin(2)one compounds as defined above are new and also form part of the present invention.

The bridged benzofuran(2)ones and indolin(2)ones of the invention may be prepared by conventional methods. For example, by condensing a polyfunctional bridge member with appropriately substituted benzofuran(2)ones or indolin(2)ones or by condensation and ring closure reactions of for example, hydroxy substituted bridged benzenes, and by interconversion reactions.

For example compounds of formula I_(b) in which one of R₁, R₃ or R₅ is (e/1) or (e/4), may be prepared by reacting a corresponding monomeric benzofuran(2)one compound or indolin(2)one compound in which one of R₁, R₃ and R₅ is ##STR41## or a functional derivative thereof with a compound H--Z--A--(Z--H)_(w) compound or with a di-or tri-aminobenzene or with a di- or tri-hydroxybenzene or for (e/4) with piperazine in known manner. Preferred functional derivatives are acid chlorides and lower alkylesters.

Compounds of formula I_(b) in which R₁ is (e/5) or (e/6) may be prepared by reacting a corresponding monomeric benzofuran(2)one or indolin(2)one compound in which R and R₁ are both hydrogen with a compound of formula ##STR42## following by catalytic hydration in accordance with known methods.

Similarly, the compounds of formula I_(b) in which R and R₁ together form (e/9), (e/12) or (e/13) may be prepared by reacting the corresponding monomeric benzofuran(2)one or indolin(2)one compound where R and R₁ are both hydrogen with the corresponding aldehyde of each of the bridge members.

The compounds of formula I_(b) in which R₁ is (e/7), (e/7a) (e/7b) or (e/8) can be prepared by reacting the corresponding monomeric benzofuran(2)one or indolin(2)one compound in which

    ______________________________________                                          ##STR43##                                                                      ##STR44##        for (e/7) or a functional derivative thereof,                withHOOC(CH.sub.2).sub.sCOOH                                                                     for (e/8) or                                                                   a functional derivative thereof,                             withCOCl.sub.2    for (e/7a), and                                              with [O].sub.0,1 PCl.sub.3                                                                       for (e/7b),                                                  ______________________________________                                    

in accordance with known methods. Preferred functional derivatives are acid chlorides.

The compounds of formula I_(b), in which R_(3b) is ##STR45## by reacting a compound of formula III or IV ##STR46## with a compound of formula ##STR47## in a 1:2 molar ratio, where

Q is --O--, --S₁ --, --SO₂ --, C═O or ##STR48## Q₁ is --S-- or ##STR49## and R_(1a) is optionally substituted phenyl as given for R_(1b) above, by known methods.

The compounds of formula I_(b) in which R and R₁ are both hydrogen may be prepared by reacting a compound of formula V ##STR50## in which R_(2b) to R_(5b) are as defined above and one of R_(3b) or R₅ is a bridge member as defined above linked to a further such phenolic compound, and with the exception that in any group (a/4) or (b/4),R₇ is hydrogen, and R_(3b) and R_(5b) are other than (a/5), G is a secondary amine group or halogen, with an ionic cyanide compound, hydrolysing the product thereof, followed by a ring closure condensation.

G is preferably --N(C₁₋₄ alkyl)₂, morpholine or piperidine, especially --N(CH₃)₂. Any halogen as G is preferably chlorine or bromine, especially chlorine. Suitable ionic cyanide compounds are alkali- or alkaline earth cyanides, preferably sodium- or potassium cyanide. Each of the reaction steps may be carried out in accordance with known methods for such reactions.

The end product may be esterified or etherified to obtain compounds where R₇ is other than hydrogen. Furthermore, the methylene group in the 3-position may be reacted further to obtain compounds where R₁ is other than hydrogen.

The compounds of formula III, IV and V are either known or may be prepared by known methods from available starting materials. The same applies for the other starting materials.

The directly bound bis-benzofuran(2)ones, bis-indolin(2)one and bridged benzofuran(2)ones or indolin(2)ones as defined above (hereinafter referred to as compounds K) may be incorporated into the polymeric material to be stabilized before, during, or after polymerization.

The amount of compound K incorporated may vary according to the material to be stabilized and the ultimate use to which it is to be put. Suitable amounts are from 0.01 to 5% preferably from 0.05 to 1%, based on the weight of the materials to be stabilized. The organic polymeric materials to be stabilized may be natural or synthetic polymeric materials. Examples of such materials include rubber, polyolefins, especially polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene, propylene copolymers, polybutylene, polystyrene, chlorinated polyethylene, PVC, polyester, polycarbonate, polymethylmethacrylate, polyphenyleneoxide, polyamides such as nylon, polyurethanes, polypropyleneoxide, phenol-formaldehyde resins, epoxy resins, polyacrylonitrile and corresponding copolymers such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) terpolymers.

The process of the present invention is preferably employed to stabilise polypropylene, polyethylene, ethylene/propylene copolymers, PVC, polyesters, polyamides, polyurethanes, polyacrylontrile, ABS terpolymers, terpolymers of acrylic ester, styrene and acrylonitrile, copolymers of styrene and acrylonitrile, styrene/butadiene copolymers, polybutylene and polystyrene. The most preferred organic polymeric materials are polypropylene, polyethylene especially HDPE, ethylene/propylene copolymers and ABS.

The incorporation of the compounds K in the material to be stabilized is effected in accordance with known methods. Preferred methods are those in which the compounds K are incorporated in the polymeric material by melt blending the stabiliser and the additives in conventional equipments such as Banbury mixers, extruders etc. Polypropylene and polyethylene granulates on powders are advantageously employed, whereby the compounds of formula I are admixed with said powders and then extruded etc and worked into the films, foils, bands threads etc.

The process of the present invention may be carried out by incorporating a compound K alone or together with other additives e.g. further stabilisers etc.

The preferred process according to the present invention comprises incorporating a compound K and either (i) a stabiliser of the sterically hindered phenol type, or (ii) a sulphur-containing or phosphorus containing stabiliser, or (i) and (ii), into the polymeric material.

The ratio of stabiliser (i) or (ii) to the compounds

K incorporated in the polymeric material is suitably 5:1 to 1:5, preferably 2:1 to 1:1. The ratio of combined (other) stabilisers to compounds K is suitably 15:1 to 1:5, preferably 6:1 to 1:3. Preferably, when only stabilisers (i) are employed with the compounds

K the ratio of compounds (i) to Compounds K is 3:1 to 1:1.

Examples of sterically hindered phenols are: β-(4-hydroxy-3,5-ditert.-butylphenyl)-propionicacidstearylester, tetrakis[methylene-3(3',5'-ditert.-butyl-4'-hydroxyphenyl)-propionate]-methane, 1,3,3-tris-(2-methyl-4'-hydroxy-5-tert.-butylphenyl)-butane, 1,3,5-tris(4-tert.-butyl-3-hydroxy-2,6-dimethylbenzyl)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-(1H,3H,5H)-trione, bis(4-tert.-butyl-3-hydroxy-2,6-dimethylbenzyl)-dithiolterephthalate, tris(3,5-ditert.-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylisocyanurate, triester of 3,5-di-tert.-butyl-4-hydroxyhydrocinnamic acid with 1,3,5-tris(2-hydroxyethyl)-s-triazin-2,4,6-(1H,3H,5H)-trione, bis[3,3-bis-4'-hydroxy-3-tert.-butylphenyl)-butaneacid]-glycolester, 1,3,5-trimethyl-2,4,6-tris-(3,5-ditert.-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)-benzene, 2,2'-methylene bis(4-methyl-6-tert.-butylphenyl) terephthalate, 4,4-methylene-bis-(2,6-ditert.-butylphenol), 4,4'-butylidene-bis(6-tert.-butyl-meta-cresol), 4,4-thio-bis(2-tert.-butyl-5-methylphenol), 2,2'-methylene-bis(4-methyl-6-tert.-butylphenol

Examples of sulphur containing stabilisers are distearylthiodipropionate, dilaurylthiodipropionate, tetrakis(methylene-3-hexylthiopropionate)-methane, tetrakis (methylene-3-dodecylthiopropionate)-methane and dioctadecyldisulphide.

Examples of phosphorus containing compounds are trinonylphenylphosphite, 4,9-distearyl-3,5,8,10-tetraoxadiphosphaspiroundecane, tris-(2,4-ditert.-butylphenyl)phosphite and tetrakis(2,4-ditert.butylphenyl)-4,4'-biphenylene diphosphonite.

In addition to the above further stabilisers, U.V. absorbers as described in DOS 2 606 358 e.g. 2-(2'-hydroxyphenyl)-benztriazole, 2-hydroxybenzophenone, 1,3-bis(2-hydroxybenzoyl)benzene, salicylates, cinnamic acid esters, hydroxybenzoic acid esters, sterically hindered amines and oxylic acid diamides. Suitable such compounds are described in DOS 2 606 358.

Metal deactivators for example N,N'-dibenzoylhydrazide, N-benzoyl-N'-salicyloylhydrazide, N,N'-distearylhydrazide, N,N'-bis-[3-(3,5-ditert.-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)-propionyl]-hydrazide, N,N'-bis-salicyloylhydrazide, oxalyl bis-(benzylidenehydrazide), N,N'-bis(3-methoxy-2-naphthoyl-)hydrazide, N,N'-di-α-phenoxy-butyloxy (isophthalyl-dihydrazide) may also be incorporated into the polymeric material.

Additional conventional additives may also be employed for example, flame retardants, antistatic agents etc.

Furthermore, an optical brightener may be incorporated in the polymer to be stabilised and so that the distribution of the additives which are intimately admixed with said optical brightener may be ascertained by fluorescence intensity measurements.

The present invention also provides master batches of polymeric organic materials containing 5 to 90%, preferably 20 to 60%, more preferably 20-30% of a compound K. Such master batches may then be admixed with unstabilised polymeric material. It is to be appreciated that such master batches may also contain additional additives such as those stated above.

Polymeric materials containing a compound K are primarily stabilised against degradation during processing. When, of course, other additives such as antioxidants, e.g. above phenols, and U.V. absorbers are also employed together with the compounds K the polymeric material has an enhanced long term stability against thermal- and photoxidative degradation.

The following examples further serve to illustrate the invention. In the examples all parts are by weight, and all temperatures are in degrees Centigrade.

EXAMPLE 1

2.54 parts of the compound of formula ##STR51## (prepared in accordance with known methods) and 1 part mandelic acid are heated to 200° C. for 16 hours. Afterwards the reaction mixture is separated by column chromatography (silicagel, ether/petroleum ether 1:2). Crystals having a melting point range of 185°-187° C., corresponding to the formula of Compound No. 5 of the Table are obtained.

EXAMPLE 2

78.9 Parts of the compound of formula ##STR52## are dissolved in 450 parts diethyleneglycolmonomethylether. 39 Parts potassium cyanide and 6 parts potassium iodide are added thereto. At a temperature of 80° C., 63 parts of water are added dropwise. The temperature is raised to 130° and the mixture is stirred for 16 hours at this temperature. After cooling to room temperature, 1000 parts ice water are added. After carefully acidifying with hydrochloric acid, a precipitate is formed which is dissolved in 400 parts ether. The organic phase is separated, washed with water, dehydrated over MgSO₄ and evaporated. The residue is added to toluene, heated to the boil for approximately 1 hour whereupon water of condensation separates out. After evaporating the solvent and recrystallizing from methanol a colourless crystalline product of formula ##STR53## is obtained. A mixture of 19.36 parts of the compound, 5.36 parts terephthalic aldehyde, 0.24 parts piperidine benzoate and 100 parts toluene are heated for 15 hours at reflux temperature. After evaporation of the solvent the product is recrystallized from acetone. The so-obtained crystals are washed with a small amount of ice-cold ether and dried. A yellow powder having a melting point range of 241°-242° C. corresponding to the formula of Compound No. 9, is obtained.

EXAMPLE 3

2,0 Parts pentaerythritol-tetra-[3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-propionate] and 2,1 parts mandelic acid are heated together to 180° C. for 23 hours. After cooling, the reaction mixture is separated by column chromatography (silicagel, eluent 9:1 toluene/acetone). The so-obtained product has a melting point range of 90°-95° C., and corresponds to the formula of Compound No. 10, Compound Nos. 1, 2 and 4 are made in analogous manner, starting with the corresponding bis phenol compound and reacting the same with mandelic acid.

EXAMPLE 4

A solution of 2,0 parts terephthalic acid dichloride in 40 parts toluene is added slowly at room temperature to a mixture of 5,1 parts of the starting material used in Example 1, 100 parts toluene and 2,1 parts triethylamine. A white precipitate is obtained. The mixture is stirred for some hours at room temperature followed by stirring at 80° C. for 2 hours. The precipitate is filtered off and the clear solution is evaporated. A white crystalline product, melting point 245°-246° C., (recrystallized from acetone/petroleum ether) of the formula of Compound No. 6 is obtained. Compound No. 7 can be prepared in analogous manner.

EXAMPLE 5

1,60 Parts of Compound No. 9 are catalytically dehydrogenated at room temperature under normal pressure. As solvent 20 parts of glacial acetic acid is used, as catalyst 0.2 parts palladium on barium sulfate. After removal of the catalyst and the solvent, the residue is taken up with ether. The etherified solution is shaken with a Na-bicarbonate solution and then with water, followed by dehydrating over MgSO₄ and then evaporated. The product, having a melting point range of 258°-259° C. petroleum ether, corresponds to the formula of Compound No. 8. Compound No. 3 of the Table is prepared in accordance with known methods. ##STR54##

EXAMPLE A

A mixture of 1200 parts of a commercially available unstabilized polypropylene (Profax 6501), 0.6 parts calciumstearate, 0.6 parts tetrakis-[methylene-3(3',5'-ditert.-butyl-4'-hydroxyphenyl)-propionate)-methane and 0.6 parts of the Compound No. 8 of the Table are shaken together for 10 minutes and extruded at 120 revs/min with temperatures of 150°, 240°, 260°, and 200° in the different heating areas of the extruder to form a strand which is granulated after passing through a water bath. The granulate is extruded and granulated a further 9 times, each time a part is taken to measure the Melt Flow Index (MFI according to ASTM D 1238 L, 230°; 2.16 kg) which serves as a measure of the thermomechanical oxidative degradation of a polymer. A control without Compound 8 of the Table is also extruded in like manner and tested. In comparison, the polymer containing Compound No. 8 of the Table exhibits a greatly improved melt stability during continuous extrusion. The other compounds of the Table may be employed in like manner.

EXAMPLE B

100 Parts unstabilized HD-polyethylene powder (Phillips Type) are stabilized with 0.02 parts Compound No. 2 of the Table and 0.01 parts tetrakis-[methylene-3(3',5'-di-tert.-butyl-4'-hydroxyphenyl)-propionate)-methane. The powder is subjected to a modified MFI Test at 230°/0.325 kg on a Davenport-MFI apparatus. The powder is pushed into a heated steel cylinder and a 325 g weight is placed thereon. The polymer which is pressed out is cut off at 60 second intervals. The amount is calculated in terms of g/10 min. The stronger the crosslinking of the polymer owing to insufficient stabilization, the lower the MFI value. After 5 to 15 minutes a constant value is obtained. The other compounds of the Tables may be used in analogous manner.

EXAMPLE C

1.0 Part octylstearate, 1.5 parts Ba-Cd stabilizer (powder-forming), 1 part of Compound No. 3 of the Table and 0.5 parts of a commercially available arylalkylphosphate are mixed with 100 parts commercially available dispersion PVC (k-value-60) in a Fluid Mixer (Papenmeier Type TEHK8) until the temperature has risen to 110°. The homogeneous mixture is rolled on rollers heated to 180° for 1 minute and then pressed into plates (thickness 1 mm) at 200° for 1.5 min. at 2 atm. and 1.5 minutes at 20 atm. The test or plates are put into an air circulating drying cabinet at 180° C. for 30 minutes. A comparison sample which contained 2.5 parts Ba-Cd stabilizer instead of Compound No. 3 and 1.5 parts of the Ba-Cd stabilizer was also treated in the same manner. This sample undergoes discolouration even at the beginning of the heat treatment and is markedly more discoloured after the 30 minutes than the sample containing Compound No. 3 of the Table.

EXAMPLE D

300 Parts ABS powder (Fa. Marbon AOE 30/075) are dissolved in 2200 parts chloroform and the solution is dropped into 8000 parts methanol whereupon the ABS is precipitated. After filtration the polymer which is now free from stabilizer is treated in vacuo overnight to remove all the solvent. 100 parts of the so-treated ABS powder is dissolved in chloroform and 0.2 parts Compound No. 2 of the Table are added thereto and the whole is stirred under nitrogen atmosphere for 15 minutes. The solution is drawn into a film with a 1 mm doctor blade onto a glass plate and is left for the solvent to evaporate-off whereby the film shrinks to 150μ thickness and is freed from the rest of the solvent overnight at room temperature in vacuo. The film is then stoved in an air-circulating oven at 95°. By repeated IR-measurement to Δε=0.4 at 1715 cm⁻¹ the ageing resistance is checked. The samples containing the benzofuranone compound have longer resistance than the control samples which contain no stabilizer.

EXAMPLE E

100 Parts granulated polyethyleneterephthalate are ground to a rough powder and dried overnight at 100° in a vacuum drying cabinet. 1.0 Part of Compound No. 2 of the Table is added and the mixture is homogenised, then granulated in an extruder, spun into fibres at 280°, stretched (120 den/14) and twisted. The fibres are wound on to white cards and exposed to the light in an Atlas Weatherometer for 24 hour intervals. In comparison to a non-stabilized control, the sample containing Compound No. 2 has less tendency to yellow during the exposure to light and can be left in the Weatherometer for a substantially longer period of time in order to reach the same decrease in the tensile strength (50%).

EXAMPLE F

1000 Parts 20% styrene-butadiene rubber emulsion are added with stirring to a hydrochloric acid 5% sodium chloride solution whereupon the rubber coagulates. Stirring is continued for 1 hour at pH 3,5. After filtration the coagulate is repeatedly washed and dried to a constant weight at room temperature in a vacuum cabinet.

25 Parts of this rubber are heated under nitrogen atmosphere to 125° in Brabender plastographs and mixed with 0.25 parts Compound No. 2 of Table 1 for 10 minutes and subsequently pressed to (0.5 mm thick) plates at 125°. The plates were put into an Atlas Weatherometer for 24 hour intervals together with samples containing no stabilizer. In comparison to the latter samples, the stabilized samples exhibited significantly better resistance to light.

EXAMPLE G

49.5 Parts Compound No. 2 of the Table, 49.5 parts tetrakis-[methylene-3-(3',5'-di-tert.-butyl-4'-hydroxyphenyl)propionate]-methane, 1 part calcium stearate and 0.02 parts (7-[24-napthol(1,2d)triazol-2-yl]-3-phenylcumarine (optical brightener) are heated to 140°. The mixture melts with stirring and the melt is poured into a flat dish and ground after cooling. The product obtained melts at 70°-75° C.

0.5 Parts of the ground melt are mixed in a plastic bag by repeated shaking with 1000 parts unstabilized HDPE powder (Ziegler Type, MFI 190/z=0.7). 43 Parts of the powder mixture are heated to 220° in a Brabender PlastiCorder PLV 151 extruder at 50 revs/min. until there is a sharp drop in the torque indicating degradation (to crosslinking decreases). The test sample has good stability.

When different concentrations of the above melt product are mixed with polyethylene or polypropylene powder and extruded into a strand which are subsequently ground, the fluorescence intensity can be measured to assess the distribution of additives in the polymer mixture. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A process for stabilizing organic polymeric materials comprising incorporating therein a benzofuran(2)one compound or indolin(2)one compound containing at least two benzofuran(2)one or indolin(2)one nuclei.
 2. A process according to claim 1, in which either a bis-benzofuran(2)one or bis-indolin(2)one compound in which the 3-position of the first benzofuran(2)one or indolin(2)one nucleus is bound directly to the 3- or 7-position of the second benzofuran(2)one or indolin(2)one nucleus, respectively, or the 5-, 6- or 7-position of the first benzofuran(2)one or indolin(2)one nucleus is bound directly to the same position of the second nucleus or a benzofuran(2)one or indolin(2)one compound in which the 3-, 5-, 6- or 7-position of the benzofuran(2)one or indolin(2)one nucleus is attached to the same position of 1 to 5 further such nuclei through a 2 to 6 valent bridge member is incorporated in the polymeric material.
 3. A process according to claim 2 in which the directly bound bis-benzofuran(2)one or bis-indolin(2)one compound is of formula Ia, ##STR55## in which X is --O--M or ##STR56## either (i) R_(a) is (aa/1) ##STR57## and each R_(1a), independently, is hydrogen; C₁₋₂₂ alkyl; C₅ or C₆ cycloalkyl; C₁₋₅ alkyl-C₅ or C₆ cycloalkyl; phenyl; phenyl substituted by one to three substituents selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, hydroxy, C₁₋₁₂ alkoxy, C₁₋₁₈ acyloxy, chloro or nitro, with the provisos that: (1) when the phenyl ring contains more than one C₁₋₁₂ alkyl group, said alkyl groups contain a maximum of 18 carbon atoms, (2) the maximum number of hydroxy substituents is two, and (3) the maximum number of each of the substituents selected from C₁₋₁₂ alkoxy, C₁₋₁₈ acyloxy, chloro and nitro is one; or a group of formula (a/4), (a/5) or (a/6) ##STR58## or (ii) R_(a) together with R_(1a) is a group of formula (a/3) ##STR59## or (iii) R_(a) is hydrogen, X is --O-- and R_(1a) is a group of formula (a/7) ##STR60## where R_(1ax) is phenyl; or phenyl substituted by one to three substituents selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, hydroxy, C₁₋₁₂ alkoxy, C₁₋₁₈ acyloxy, chloro or nitro, with the provisos that: (1) when the phenyl ring contains more than one C₁₋₁₂ alkyl group, said alkyl groups contain a maximum of 18 carbon atoms, (2) the maximum number of hydroxy substituents is two, and (3) the maximum number of each of the substituents selected from C₁₋₁₂ alkoxy, C₁₋₁₈ acyloxy, chloro and nitro is one; or (iv) R_(a) is hydrogen, X is --O--, R_(1a) is other than a group of formula (a/7) and either R_(3a) is a group of formula (E₃) ##STR61## or R_(5a) is a group of formula (E₅) ##STR62## each of R_(2a) to R_(5a), independently, is hydrogen; C₁₋₁₂ alkyl; C₅ or C₆ cycloalkyl; C₁₋₅ alkyl-C₅ or C₆ cycloalkyl; hydroxy; C₁₋₂₂ alkoxy; phenoxy; phenoxy substituted by one or two C₁₋₁₂ alkyl groups, said alkyl groups having a maximum of 16 carbon atoms; C₁₋₁₈ acyloxy; chloro; phenyl-C₁₋₉ alkyl; phenylthio; phenyl-C₁₋₉ alkyl or phenylthio substituted on the phenyl ring by one to three substituents selected from C₁₋₁₂ alkyl, hydroxy and R₁₅ CO--O--; phenyl; phenyl substituted by one or two C₁₋₁₂ alkyl groups, said alkyl groups having a maximum of 16 carbon atoms; nitro; a group of formula (b/2), (b/3) or (b/4) ##STR63## a group of formula (a/4) or (a/5) as defined above; with the provisos that:(a) with respect to the substituents R_(3a), R_(4a) and R_(5a), a maximum of two of said substituents is C₅ or C₆ cycloalkyl, C₁₋₅ alkyl-C₅ or C₆ cycloalkyl, hydroxy, C₁₋₂₂ alkoxy, optionally substituted phenoxy, C₁₋₁₈ -acyloxy or chloro, and only one of said substituents may be optionally substituted phenyl, phenyl-C₁₋₉ alkyl or phenylthio, nitro or a group of formula (b/2), (b/3), (b/4), (a/4) or (a/5), provided that only the R_(3a) substituent can be a group of formula (b/3) or (b/4) and only the R_(3a) or R_(5a) substituent can be a group of formula (a/4) or (a/5); and (b) when R₁₁ in the group of formula (b/2) is other than hydrogen, such group is adjacent to a hydroxy group; each R₇, independently, is hydrogen; C₁₋₁₈ alkyl; alkyl-O-alkylene having a maximum of 18 carbon atoms; alkyl-S-alkylene having a maximum of 18 carbon atoms; di-C₁₋₄ -alkylamino-C₁₋₈ alkyl; C₅₋₇ cycloalkyl; phenyl; or phenyl substituted by one to three C₁₋₁₂ alkyl groups, said alkyl groups having a maximum of 18 carbon atoms; either each R₈, independently, is hydrogen; C₁₋₁₈ alkyl; C₅ or C₆ cycloalkyl; C₁₋₅ alkyl-C₅ or C₆ cycloalkyl; phenyl; phenyl substituted by one or two C₁₋₁₂ alkyl groups, said alkyl groups having a maximum of 16 carbon atoms; or a group of formulae (d/1), (d/2) or (d/3) ##STR64## or both R₈ 's, together with the nitrogen atom, form an unsubstituted piperidine or morpholine ring; R₉ has one of the significances of R₈ ; R_(9a) is hydrogen; C₁₋₁₈ alkyl; or a group of formula (d/1); (d/2) or (d/3) as defined above; R_(10a) is hydrogen; C₁₋₁₈ alkyl; C₅ or C₆ cycloalkyl; C₁₋₅ alkyl-C₅ or C₆ cycloalkyl; phenyl; phenyl substituted by one or two C₁₋₁₂ alkyl groups, said alkyl groups having a maximum of 16 carbon atoms; or benzyl; R₁₁ is hydrogen; C₁₋₂₂ alkyl; C₅₋₇ cycloalkyl; phenyl; phenyl-C₁₋₆ alkyl; or phenyl or phenyl-C₁₋₆ alkyl substituted on the phenyl ring by one or two C₁₋₁₂ alkyl groups, said alkyl groups having a maximum of 16 carbon atoms; R₁₂ is C₁₋₁₈ alkyl; 2-hydroxyethyl; phenyl; or C₁₋₉ alkylphenyl; R₁₅ is C₁₋₂₂ alkyl; or phenyl; and n is 0, 1 or 2,said compound of formula Ia contains only two benzofuran(2)one or indolin(2)one nuclei, wherein the substituents on the two benzofuran(2)one or indolin(2)one nuclei are the same or different; and the bridged poly-benzofuran(2)one or poly-indolin(2)one compound is of formula Ib, ##STR65## in which X is as defined above, and each of R_(b), R_(1b), R_(2b), R_(3b), R_(4b) and R_(5b) has the significances corresponding to R_(a), R_(1a), R_(2a), R_(3a), R_(4a) and R_(5a), respectively, as defined above with the provisos that: (1) the molecule is free from groups of formulae (aa/1), (a/3), (a/7), (E₃) and (E₅); and (2) one of R_(1b), R_(b) and R_(1b) together, R_(3b) or R_(5b) is a polyvalent bridging group linked to one or more further corresponding benzofuran(2)one or indoline(2)one nuclei,said compound of formula Ib contains two or more benzofuran(2)one or indolin(2)one nuclei, wherein the substituents on the benzofuran(2)one or indolin(2)one nuclei are the same or different.
 4. A process according to claim 3 in which when R_(1b) is a bridging group linked to one or more further corresponding benzofuran(2)one or indolin(2)one nuclei, it is a group of the formulae, ##STR66## in which the free valencies are attached to one or more groups of the formula E₁ ##STR67## wherein each of X, R_(2b), R_(3b), R_(4b) and R_(5b) is as defined in claim 3,A is a 2 to 6 valent saturated alkylene group; a 2 to 6 valent saturated alkylene group containing one or more bridging members selected from the group consisting of a sulfur atom, an oxygen atom, a nitrogen atom and a cyclohexylene group; a 2- or 3-valent benzene group; or, when both Z's are --O--, is a group of the formula (e/16) ##STR68## whereby when A is a 3-, 4-, 5- or 6-valent saturated alkylene group, each further free valence is bound to --OH, --NHR₁₀ or a group of the formula ##STR69## with the proviso that any free valence on nitrogen in A itself is attached to a group of the formula ##STR70## w is an integer 1 to 5; each Z, independently, is --O-- or ##STR71## either R₁₀ has one of the significances of R_(10a) as defined in claim 3, or R₁₀, together with the nitrogen atom, is a ring of the formula ##STR72## D is a direct bond; --O--; --S--; --SO₂ --; >C═O; or ##STR73## where each R₁₃, independently, is hydrogen, C₁₋₁₆ alkyl, phenyl or a group of formula (a/4) or (a/5) as defined in claim 3, with the proviso that when both R₁₃ 's are C₁₋₁₆ alkyl, the alkyl groups contain a maximum of 16 carbon atoms; n is as defined in claim 3 m is an integer 2 to 10; and s is 0 or an integer 1 to 12;when R_(b) and R_(1b) together is a bridging group linked to one or more further corresponding benzofuran(2)one or indolin(2)one nuclei, it is a group of the formulae ##STR74## in which the free valencies are attached to one or more groups of the formula E_(1a) ##STR75## wherein each of X, R_(2b), R_(3b), R_(4b) and R_(5b) is as defined in claim 3, A, Z, w and R₁₀ are as defined above, whereby when A is a 3-, 4-, 5- or 6-valent saturated alkylene group, each further free valence is bound to --OH, --NHR₁₀ or a group of the formula ##STR76## with the proviso that any free valence on nitrogen in A itself is attached to a group of the formula ##STR77## p is 0 or an integer 1 to 10; and R₁₆ is hydrogen or methyl;when R_(3b) is a bridging group linked to one or more further corresponding benzofuran(2)one or indolin(2)one nuclei, it is --O--, --S--, --SO₂ --, >C═O, ##STR78## where R₁₃ is as defined above, or a group (e/1) or (e/4) as defined above, in which the free valencies are attached to one or more groups of the formula E_(3b) ##STR79## wherein each of X, R_(b), R_(1b), R_(2b), R_(4b) and R_(5b) is as defined in claim 3, A, Z, w and R₁₀ are as defined above, whereby when A is a 3-, 4-, 5- or 6-valent saturated alkylene group, each further free valence is bound to --OH, --NHR₁₀ or a group of the formula ##STR80## with the proviso that any free valence on nitrogen in A itself is attached to a group of the formula ##STR81## and n is as defined in claim 3; orwhen R_(5b) is a bridging group linked to one or more further corresponding benzofuran(2)one or indolin(2)one nuclei, it is --S--, ##STR82## where R₁₃ is as defined above, or a group (e/1) or (e/4) as defined above, in which the free valencies are attached to one or more groups of the formula E_(5b) ##STR83## wherein each of X, R_(b), R_(1b), R_(2b), R_(3b) and R_(4b) is as defined in claim 3, A, Z, w and R₁₀ are as defined above, whereby when A is a 3-, 4-, 5- or 6-valent saturated alkylene group, each further free valence is bound to --OH, --NHR₁₀ or a group of the formula ##STR84## with the proviso that any free valence on nitrogen in A itself is attached to a group of the formula ##STR85## and n is as defined in claim 3;with the proviso that only one of R_(1b), R_(b) and R_(1b) together, R_(3b) or R_(5b) is a polyvalent bridging group linked to one or more further corresponding benzofuran(2)one or indolin(2)one nuclei, the substituents in the nuclei being the same or different.
 5. A process according to claim 4 wherein either (i) R_(a) is (aa/1) and each R_(1a) is R₁ ' where R₁ ' is hydrogen; C₁₋₁₈ alkyl; phenyl; phenyl substituted by one to three substituents selected from C₁₋₈ alkyl and hydroxy, with the proviso that the maximum number of C₁₋₈ alkyl substituents is two and the maximum number of hydroxy substituents is one; or a group of formula (a/4) or (a/5);or (ii) R_(a) is hydrogen, X is --O-- and R_(1a) is a group of formula (a/7) where R_(1ax) is phenyl or phenyl substituted by one to three substituents selected from C₁₋₈ alkyl and hydroxy, with the proviso that the maximum number of C₁₋₈ alkyl substituents is two and the maximum number of hydroxy substituents is one; each of R_(2a) and R_(2b) is hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl; each R_(3a) is R₃ ' where R₃ ' is hydrogen or C₁₋₉ alkyl; each of R_(4a) and R_(4b) is hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl; each R_(5a) is R₅ ' where R₅ ' is hydrogen or C₁₋₈ alkyl; or (iii) R_(a) is hydrogen, X is --O--, R_(1a) is other than a group of formula (a/7) and either R_(3a) is a group of formula (E₃) or R_(5a) is a group of formula (E₅); R_(b) is hydrogen or together with R_(1b) is a bridging group of the formula (e/9) or (e/13); R_(1b) is R_(1bx) where R_(1bx) is a significance as defined above for R₁ ' or is a bridging group of the formula (e/1), (e/4), (e/6), (e/7), (e/7a), (e/7b) or (e/8); R_(3b) is R_(3bx) where R_(3bx) is a significance as defined above for R₃ ' or is a bridging group of the formula --S--E_(3b), ##STR86## (e/1) or (e/4), where each R₁₃ ', independently, is hydrogen, C₁₋₄ alkyl or a group of formula (a/4) in which R₇ is hydrogen or C₁₋₈ alkyl, with the proviso that when one of the R₁₃ ''s is a group of formula (a/4), the other R₁₃ ' is hydrogen or C₁₋₄ alkyl; R_(5b) is R_(5bx) where R_(5bx) is a significance as defined above for R₅ ' or is a bridging group of the formula --S--E_(5b), ##STR87## or (e/1), where each R₁₃ ' is as defined above; and R₁₀ is hydrogen; C₁₋₁₂ alkyl or phenyl.
 6. A process according to claim 5 in which any R₁ ' is C₁₋₁₈ alkyl; phenyl or phenyl substituted by one to three substituents selected from C₁₋₈ alkyl and hydroxy, with the proviso that the maximum number of C₁₋₈ alkyl substituents is two and the maximum number of hydroxy substituents is one.
 7. A process according to claim 1 comprising incorporating the benzofuran(2)one or indolin(2)one compound together with either (i) a stabilizer of the sterically hindered phenol type or (ii) a stabilizer of the thiodipropionate, thiopropionate, dialkylsulphide, aryl phosphite, aryl diphosphonite and tetraoxadiphosphaspiroundecane type, or (i) and (ii), into the polymeric material to be stabilized.
 8. Polymeric organic material which contains, as the stabilizer, a benzofuran(2)one compound or indolin(2)one compound containing at least two benzofuran(2)one or indolin(2)one nuclei.
 9. A process according to claim 4, in which when R_(3b) or R_(5b) is a bridging group, X is --O-- in all cases.
 10. A process according to claim 3, in which X is --O--.
 11. A process according to claim 5, in which X is --O--.
 12. A process according to claim 5, in which X is --O-- and each benzofuran(2)one nucleus is identical with the exception of the case where R_(1a) is (a/7) where R_(1a) in the second nucleus is R_(1ax).
 13. A process according to claim 12, in which R_(a) is (aa/1).
 14. A process according to claim 12, in which R_(1a) is (a/7).
 15. A process according to claim 5, in which R_(b) is hydrogen.
 16. A process according to claim 1, in which the polymeric material is polypropylene, polyethylene, ethylene/propylene copolymers, PVC, polyesters, polyamides, polyurethanes, polyacrylonitrile, ABS terpolymers, terpolymers of acrylic ester, styrene and acrylonitrile, copolymers of styrene and acrylonitrile, styrene/butadiene copolymers, polybutylene or polystyrene.
 17. A process according to claim 1, in which the polymeric material is polypropylene.
 18. A process according to claim 1, in which the polymeric material is polyethylene or an ethylene/propylene copolymer.
 19. A process according to claim 18, in which the polymeric material is high density (HD) polyethylene.
 20. A process according to claim 1, in which from 0.01 to 5%, based on the weight of the polymeric material, of the benzofuran(2)one or indolin(2)one compound is incorporated in the polymeric material to be stabilised.
 21. A process according to claim 1, in which the benzofuran(2)one or indolin(2)one compound is incorporated into the polymeric material by melt blending.
 22. A process according to claim 1, in which 5 to 90% of the benzofuran(2)one or indolin(2)one compound is incorporated in the polymeric material to form a stabilized master batch.
 23. A process according to claim 5, in which R_(1b) is phenyl and R_(b) is hydrogen.
 24. A process according to claim 5, in which R_(2a) and R_(2b) are hydrogen. 